On the Cusp | Sneak Preview from Yuri Alves on Vimeo. Directed by: Yuri A Alves Written by: Yuri A Alves Genre: Doc, Drama Length: 10 minutes |
On The Cusp
Yuri Alves knows how to put together a short and sweet documentary. I've recently watched another title from Alves, Grind, and like that short film - this one ain't no slouch. "On The Cusp" features some excellent cinematography, some great editing and of course, an interesting person to focus on. Zeroing in on Tommy Cuba, Alves manages to pack a lot into the nine or so minutes that make up the film. Touching on Tommy's roots, navigating his passion, and settling on a sad moment in time. I only wish there were more. Tommy Cuba himself is a celebrated skateboarder. He is also a driving force, behind "Shorty's Skate Park" that happens to be a focus point of this documentary. Shorty's, a community haven of sorts for skateboarders, was built from garbage, hard work and love. A living social network of friends both new and old. A place of escape. "On The Cusp" delves into the history of the park and it's meaning not just to Cuba himself, but everyone who frequents. The aim is to skate. The goal is to build and maintain friendships. As the front-man for this title, Cuba is a perfect fit. Charismatic with a zest for life the camera easily picks up on. That friend we introduce to as many of our other friends as we can. The final scenes are that much more powerful, because of this charisma, and also that much more saddening.
Yet aside from the great production work, and aside from the the likable character portrait, "On The Cusp" feels like something is missing. As if everything presented is superficial. Alves manages, of course, to pick the colors and the canvas using an amazing eye for the arts. Then, instead of digging deep down, simply digs long and wide. So many points of interest were presented and never really expanded upon. I realize this is a really short film, but showing less and digging more may have better suited the production. "On The Cusp" has a "Fund us on Kickstarter" vibe that surrounds the film. We all see the scenarios in place, but never anything more than a few scribbles on the paper. I half expected to see a caption at the end, asking to help fund the feature documentary of Tommy Cuba. There simply wasn't enough meat left on the bone to shake that feeling away. But damn! I can't argue the draw this short film had for my eyes. It's one of those movies you simply want to keep watching, because all the pieces are not only onscreen, but put together in a way that forces you to keep your eyes peeled. It's only when the film is over you begin to think of it as a really long trailer, and want to find the "extended" version. The full movie. Perhaps this could have been resolved by making this a longer, more detailed film. Perhaps you could argue that what I've written above is a compliment, and it is. It's also a slight let-down simply because I wanted more. Nobody is going to groan and complain when watching, and "after" watching this short film. You've got Tommy Cuba himself, who happens to be some great source material. You've got a slick production that reels you in visually, and keeps you hooked through it's excellent pacing. I simply wanted a little more. A longer film. Definitely a complaint many filmmakers would love to receive. |
